Automotive News

· VW will choose a site for the plant by the summer
· Locations in Mexico and the US are in the running
· VW hasn’t determined which model will be built there – but it will likely be tied to the decision thatVolkswagen wants to bring a larger SUV to the US
· Mexico is exempt from import duties – which is 10% for vehicles shipped from the US to Europe
· VW also has a plant in Mexico, which builds the Beetle and the Jetta
· Contemplating the “Made in the USA” statement

Automotive News

· The new 3 series enters showrooms this weekend
· It features more power and greater gas mileage
· Mercedes was the top selling luxury brand last month
· The new 3 series gets 36 miles per gallon hwy and 28 combined, compared with 28 and 22 for the outgoing 6-cylinder

Automotive News

· Patent Board has ranked five automakers in the top 10 companies in the 2011 automotive and transportation industry scorecard
· GM took the top spot with 1,123
· Toyota is number 2 with 1,111 patents; Honda, No.3 with 1,049; Ford, No. 7 with 439; and Nissan, No. 10 with 267
· One of GM’s patents in 2011 are quiet brakes, which are designed to absorb vibrations and will show up on cars in two to three years
· Most of GM’s patents dealt with transmissions and batteries
· A majority of Toyota’s are in the areas of alternative fuels and safety

Vehicles

NY Times

· After a two-year hiatus the BMW M6 coupe and convertible will return to the lineup
· The hardtop is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva show
· The drop-top will be unveiled at the NY Auto Show
· The vehicle can hold four adults
· BMW has made a point to emphasize fuel efficiency – carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel consumption have dropped by about 30%
· The top can be lowered in 19 seconds and at speeds up to 25 miles an hour
· Prices will be released closer to June

WSJ

· Nissan is recalling Versa models from the 2012 model year with automatic transmissions because the locks may not work properly – increases the risk of a crash or pedestrian injuries
· Ford is recalling 569 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2012 model year, welds on the head- restraint support brackets may not hold

Detroit News

· Chrysler is recalling to fix two potential electrical problems
· They will change and relocate an anti-lock brake/electronic stability fuse and replace the headlamp jumper wire harnesses
· The low beam headlights may not work